Idaho Environmental Guide for Local Governments: Waste Management & Remediation
Brownfields
Brownfields are properties for which expansion, redevelopment, or reuse may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant. Abandoned or underutilized properties result in wasted infrastructure, development of green space on the edge of town, and blight in urban and neighborhood areas. Cleaning up these properties can benefit communities through licensed property tax bases and job growth. Learn more.
Hazardous Waste
Hazardous waste is waste with properties that make it dangerous or potentially harmful to human health or the environment. Hazardous wastes can be by-products of manufacturing processes or simply discarded commercial products. They must be properly disposed of to prevent their release into the environment. Cities and counties have an important role in protecting ground water in the communities. Learn more.
Household Hazardous Waste
Common household hazardous wastes include paints and stains, cleaners, batteries, compact fluorescent light bulbs, and pharmaceuticals. Improperly disposing of hazardous wastes is harmful to the environment. Communities are encouraged to provide household hazardous waste collection programs to assist households in properly disposing of these wastes. Learn more.
Inactive or Abandoned Mining Areas
Cities and counties with mining activities should take mining and mining waste issues into consideration when developing zoning ordinances. Learn more.
Petroleum Storage or Fueling
Are storage tanks used to store petroleum or certain other hazardous liquids in your community? Leaking underground storage tanks can pose a serious environmental threat if the stored petroleum or other hazardous substance seeps into the soil and contaminates ground water, which is the source of most of Idaho's drinking water. Learn about practice measures here.
Solid Waste
Solid waste is any garbage or refuse, sludge from a wastewater treatment plant, water supply treatment plant, or air pollution control facility and other discarded material including solid, liquid, semi-solid, or contained gaseous material resulting from industrial, commercial, mining, and agricultural operations and from community activities. Counties are responsible for managing solid waste within their jurisdiction. Communities can develop recycling programs to extend the life of landfills. Learn more.
Waste Tires
Idaho's Waste Tire Disposal Act ensures waste tires are properly stored, disposed of, and transported in Idaho. Abandoned tire piles pose a fire threat to communities. Learn about storage site requirements here.